AOS95, or alpha-olefin sulfonate with an average carbon chain length of 16-18, finds applications in phosphate-free laundry detergent formulations due to its excellent cleaning properties and compatibility with other ingredients. Here are some key applications of AOS95 in phosphate-free laundry detergents:
1. Cleaning ability: AOS95 is an effective anionic surfactant for removing various types of soils and stains from fabrics, including oily stains, particulate soils, and other stubborn dirt. Its longer carbon chain length contributes to its cleaning efficiency.
2. Replacement for phosphates: With increasing environmental concerns and regulations regarding phosphates in detergents, AOS95 serves as a valuable alternative to phosphate builders. It provides cleaning performance and soil suspension capabilities without the disadvantages associated with phosphates.
3. Hard water tolerance: AOS95 exhibits good tolerance to hard water ions, such as calcium and magnesium, ensuring consistent cleaning performance even in areas with hard water supply.
4. Compatibility with other ingredients: AOS95 can be easily incorporated into phosphate-free laundry detergent formulations along with other ingredients like non-phosphate builders (e.g., zeolites, citrates), enzymes, optical brighteners, and fragrances.
5. Biodegradability: AOS95 is considered biodegradable under aerobic conditions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for phosphate-free laundry detergent formulations.
6. Versatility: AOS95 can be used in various types of phosphate-free laundry detergents, including powder, liquid, and unit-dose formulations, providing flexibility in formulation development.
In phosphate-free laundry detergent formulations, AOS95 is often used in combination with other anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) or alkyl sulfates, as well as non-phosphate builders and other additives. The specific concentration and blend of ingredients may vary depending on the desired performance characteristics and the target market segment.